# Mission Hb Cleaning, Maintenance & Infection Control Guide **By Dr Pramod kumar** · 2026-09-27 The **Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor** is designed for rapid point-of-care hemoglobin testing using capillary or venous whole blood. Because the system is used with blood specimens, correct **cleaning, maintenance and infection-control practices** are important for both meter performance and safe testing. The Mission Hb user manual recommends cleaning the meter after each day of testing and provides specific instructions for the meter surface, test-strip holder and optical sensor area. This guide explains how to care for the Mission Hb meter, what areas require special attention, what cleaning materials should be avoided and how professional users can reduce cross-contamination risks. * * * ## Why Mission Hb Cleaning and Maintenance Matter Blood-testing equipment can be exposed to: - Blood droplets - Dust - Moisture - Finger oils - Test-strip residue - Control materials - Environmental contamination If contamination reaches the strip channel or optical sensor area, it may interfere with correct instrument operation. Regular maintenance also helps identify physical damage before it affects testing. * * * ## How Often Should the Mission Hb Meter Be Cleaned? The Mission Hb user manual recommends: **Cleaning the meter after each day of testing.** Additional cleaning may be necessary if: - Blood is visibly present on the meter - The strip holder becomes contaminated - The meter has been used repeatedly during a busy testing session - The instrument has been exposed to dust or dirt - Quality-control or testing problems suggest contamination Healthcare facilities should also follow their own infection-prevention policies and the latest manufacturer instructions. * * * ## Mission Hb Meter Cleaning Areas The main areas requiring attention are: 1. Meter exterior 2. LCD display 3. Test-strip holder 4. Strip channel 5. Optical sensor area 6. Code-chip slot 7. USB port area Different parts of the meter have different cleaning requirements. * * * ## How to Clean the Mission Hb Meter Surface The Mission Hb manual recommends using a **cotton cloth** to clean the exterior surface. If necessary, a slightly damp cotton cloth may be used. For the LCD and sensitive areas, use a **soft, dry cloth**. ### Important Do not allow cleaning liquid to enter: - The test-strip channel - The code-chip slot - The USB port Liquid entering the internal electronics or optical system may damage the meter. * * * ## How to Clean the Mission Hb Test Strip Holder The Mission Hb strip holder can be removed for cleaning according to the manufacturer's instructions. The general procedure described in the Mission Hb manual is: 1. Switch off the meter. 2. Remove the test-strip holder according to the user manual. 3. Wipe the holder using a damp cloth or mild detergent where necessary. 4. Dry the holder thoroughly using a soft, dry cloth. 5. Reinstall the strip holder correctly. 6. Make sure it clicks securely into position. Do not reinstall the strip holder while it is still wet. * * * ## How to Clean the Mission Hb Sensor Area The sensor area is one of the most important parts of the Mission Hb meter. After removing the strip holder, the manual recommends cleaning the sensor area carefully using a **cotton swab**. Take special care not to scratch the transparent window covering the sensor. **Do not use sharp objects to clean the sensor window.** * * * ## Do Not Use Alcohol or Bleach on the Mission Hb Sensor Area The Mission Hb user manual specifically warns against using: - Alcohol - Bleach on the optical sensor area. These substances may damage the sensor surface. This is especially important because general medical-device disinfection recommendations cannot automatically be applied to every part of an electronic point-of-care meter. Always follow the meter manufacturer's material-compatibility instructions. * * * ## Do Not Use Organic Solvents The Mission Hb manual also advises against organic solvents such as: - Gasoline - Paint thinner - Strong solvent-based cleaners These products may damage the meter housing, optical components or other materials. * * * ## Keep the Strip Channel Clean The strip channel is the area through which the Mission Hb test strip enters the meter. Blood, dust or debris in this area can potentially interfere with: - Strip insertion - Strip positioning - Optical measurement - Meter recognition of the strip Inspect the strip channel regularly. Do not insert: - Needles - Metal objects - Sharp cleaning tools - Excess liquid into the strip channel. * * * ## What If Blood Enters the Strip Channel? If visible blood contamination enters the strip area: 1. Stop testing. 2. Switch off the meter. 3. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning procedure. 4. Remove and clean the strip holder where appropriate. 5. Inspect the sensor area carefully. 6. Allow cleaned components to dry completely. 7. Perform appropriate quality-control checks before resuming routine testing where required. If contamination cannot be safely removed according to the manufacturer's instructions, contact appropriate technical support rather than forcing cleaning tools into the meter. * * * ## Mission Hb Infection-Control Precautions All blood specimens should be handled as potentially infectious material. The Mission Hb user manual instructs users to treat blood specimens, used strips and associated testing materials carefully and dispose of them according to applicable regulations. Healthcare personnel should use appropriate infection-control precautions during testing. * * * ## Use Gloves When Testing Another Person When healthcare professionals perform Mission Hb testing on another person, appropriate gloves should be used when exposure to blood is possible. Gloves should be changed between patients according to facility infection-control procedures. Hand hygiene remains necessary even when gloves are used. * * * ## Never Reuse a Lancet A lancet used to puncture the skin must be considered a single-use sharp. Do not: - Reuse the same lancet - Use the same lancet on another person - Attempt to clean and reuse a disposable lancet Dispose of used lancets immediately in an appropriate sharps container. * * * ## Do Not Share Personal Lancing Devices A reusable finger-prick lancing device designed for individual use should not be shared between patients. For assisted testing in healthcare settings, use appropriate single-use or professionally approved sampling devices according to the facility's infection-control procedure. * * * ## Can One Mission Hb Meter Be Used for Multiple Patients? Professional point-of-care meters may be used in multi-patient environments only when the device and the facility's procedure support safe reprocessing. CDC infection-control guidance states that reusable point-of-care equipment should be cleaned and reprocessed according to the manufacturer's instructions before use on another patient when required. If a meter is shared between patients, healthcare facilities should have a clear protocol covering: - Cleaning - Disinfection where applicable - Glove changes - Hand hygiene - Single-use lancets - Safe strip handling - Sharps disposal - Separation of clean and contaminated equipment * * * ## Cleaning Is Not Always the Same as Disinfection **Cleaning** removes visible contamination and residue. **Disinfection** uses an appropriate method or chemical to reduce infectious microorganisms. The two processes should not automatically be treated as identical. For reusable point-of-care devices, CDC recommends following the manufacturer's instructions when selecting cleaning and disinfection procedures. Do not apply a strong disinfectant to Mission Hb simply because it is suitable for another medical device. * * * ## Why Manufacturer Compatibility Matters A disinfectant may be effective against microorganisms but still damage: - Plastic housings - Optical surfaces - Electronic seals - Display materials - Strip-recognition components The Mission Hb manual specifically warns against alcohol and bleach on the optical sensor area and against organic solvents on the meter. Therefore, professional facilities should establish their reprocessing procedure around the latest Mission Hb manufacturer instructions. * * * ## Keep Clean and Used Materials Separate During testing, maintain a clear separation between clean supplies and contaminated materials. ### Clean Area - Unused Mission Hb strips - Unused lancets - Clean capillary tubes - Gloves before use - Clean QC materials ### Contaminated Area - Used test strips - Used lancets - Blood-contaminated swabs - Used gloves - Other contaminated disposables Do not place used strips or blood-contaminated materials back beside clean testing supplies. * * * ## Do Not Return a Used Strip to the Strip Container Mission Hb test strips are single-use. After a test: - Remove the used strip. - Dispose of it appropriately. - Do not return it to the original strip container. - Do not place it beside unused strips. * * * ## Daily Mission Hb Maintenance Routine A practical end-of-day routine can include: 1. Remove and dispose of used strips. 2. Switch off the meter. 3. Inspect the exterior for visible contamination. 4. Clean the meter surface according to the manufacturer's instructions. 5. Inspect the strip channel. 6. Clean the removable strip holder when required. 7. Inspect the sensor area. 8. Allow cleaned components to dry completely. 9. Store the meter in its carrying case. 10. Keep clean testing supplies separately. * * * ## Why Store the Mission Hb Meter in Its Carry Case? The Mission Hb manual recommends storing the meter in its carrying case after use. This helps protect it from: - Dust - Physical damage - Accidental spills - Unnecessary handling - Contamination during storage * * * ## Protect Mission Hb from Moisture The meter should be kept dry. Do not: - Immerse the meter in water - Wash it under running water - Spray cleaning liquid directly onto the meter - Allow liquid to enter the USB port - Allow fluid into the code-chip slot - Flood the strip channel with cleaning solution Apply any permitted cleaning moisture to the cloth rather than directly to the instrument unless the current manufacturer instructions specifically state otherwise. * * * ## What If the Mission Hb Meter Gets Wet? If the instrument becomes wet: 1. Stop using it. 2. Do not insert additional strips. 3. Do not attempt patient testing immediately. 4. Allow appropriate inspection according to the manufacturer procedure. 5. Perform the recommended instrument check or quality-control process before returning the meter to service. The Mission Hb manual recommends verifying meter performance if the device has been dropped or becomes wet. * * * ## What If the Mission Hb Meter Is Dropped? Physical impact can potentially affect the optical system even if there is no obvious external damage. After a significant drop: - Inspect the housing. - Check the strip holder. - Inspect the sensor area. - Check normal startup. - Perform the manufacturer's recommended optical or control check. - Do not rely on patient testing until correct function has been confirmed. * * * ## Mission Hb Optical System Check The Mission Hb testing system includes a method of checking the optical system using the appropriate control device. ACON currently recommends using the optical verifier or control device regularly before patient testing according to the applicable system procedure. This can be particularly useful after: - Cleaning - Maintenance - A meter drop - Unexpected results - Suspected sensor contamination For detailed QC information, read: [**Mission Hb Quality Control & Calibration Guide**](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hb-quality-control-calibration-guide) * * * ## Do Not Scratch the Optical Sensor Window The transparent optical window is a precision part of the measuring system. Do not clean it using: - Needles - Metal tools - Hard brushes - Abrasive pads - Scraping instruments A scratched optical surface may interfere with proper measurement. * * * ## Mission Hb Maintenance Troubleshooting Problem What to Check Strip not recognised Strip compatibility, strip channel, strip orientation and visible contamination. Repeated testing errors Sensor area, strip holder, QC, strip condition and testing technique. Blood visible around strip port Stop testing and follow the manufacturer cleaning procedure. Meter dropped Physical inspection and optical/QC verification before further patient testing. Meter became wet Stop testing and verify meter performance before reuse. * * * ## Professional Infection-Control Checklist For multi-patient testing environments: - ✓ Perform hand hygiene - ✓ Wear appropriate gloves - ✓ Use a new sterile lancet for every patient - ✓ Never share personal lancing devices - ✓ Use a fresh Mission Hb strip for every test - ✓ Dispose of lancets in an approved sharps container - ✓ Dispose of blood-contaminated materials safely - ✓ Keep clean supplies separate from contaminated supplies - ✓ Clean/reprocess shared point-of-care equipment according to manufacturer instructions - ✓ Perform QC when required before returning a meter to service * * * ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How often should I clean the Mission Hb meter? The Mission Hb manual recommends cleaning the meter after each day of testing. Clean it sooner if visible contamination occurs. ### Can I clean Mission Hb with alcohol? Do not use alcohol on the optical sensor area. Follow the current manufacturer's cleaning instructions for each part of the meter. ### Can I use bleach on the Mission Hb sensor? No. The Mission Hb manual specifically advises against bleach on the optical sensor area. ### Can I wash the Mission Hb meter with water? No. Do not immerse or wash the meter under running water. Liquids must not enter the strip channel, code-chip slot or USB port. ### How do I clean the Mission Hb strip holder? The strip holder can be removed according to the user manual, wiped with a damp cloth or mild detergent where necessary, dried thoroughly and reinstalled. ### How should the Mission Hb sensor be cleaned? The manual recommends carefully wiping the sensor area with a cotton swab while avoiding scratches to the transparent sensor window. ### Can the Mission Hb meter be used for more than one patient? In professional settings, shared point-of-care equipment requires an appropriate infection-control and reprocessing procedure based on manufacturer instructions and facility policy. ### Can the same lancing device be shared between patients? Personal reusable lancing devices should not be shared. Professional assisted testing should use appropriate single-use sampling devices according to infection-control procedures. ### What should I do if blood gets inside the strip channel? Stop testing and follow the manufacturer's cleaning procedure. If contamination cannot be safely removed, seek technical support rather than inserting sharp objects or excessive liquid into the meter. ### What should I do if the meter is dropped? Inspect the meter and verify correct operation using the manufacturer's recommended optical or quality-control procedure before continuing patient testing. ### Should the meter be stored in the carrying case? Yes. The Mission Hb manual recommends storing the meter in its carrying case after use. * * * ## Related Mission Hb Guides **Mission Hb Complete Guide** [Read the Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor & Test Strips Complete Guide](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hemoglobin-monitor-test-strips-complete-guide) **How to Use Mission Hb** [Read the Mission Hb step-by-step usage guide](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/how-to-use-mission-hemoglobin-monitor) **Mission Hb Quality Control & Calibration Guide** [Learn about Mission Hb QC, control materials and calibration](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hb-quality-control-calibration-guide) **Mission Hb Troubleshooting Guide** [Troubleshoot Mission Hb errors and testing problems](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hb-meter-troubleshooting-error-guide) **Mission Hb Accuracy vs Laboratory CBC** [Learn why Mission Hb and laboratory results may differ](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hb-accuracy-vs-lab-cbc) **Mission Hb Capillary vs Venous Blood** [Compare capillary and venous Mission Hb samples](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hb-capillary-vs-venous-blood) **Mission Hb Test Strip Compatibility Guide** [Check which strips are compatible with Mission Hb](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hb-test-strip-compatibility-guide) * * * ## Mission Hb Products Available from Microsidd ### Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor with 10 Strips Portable Mission / ACON point-of-care hemoglobin meter supplied with starter strips. [**View Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor with 10 Strips**](https://microsidd.com/products/mission-hb-hemoglobin-monitor-with-10-strips) ### Mission Hb Hemoglobin Test Strips – 50 Pack Compatible replacement Hb test strips for the Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitor. [**View Mission Hb Test Strips – 50 Pack**](https://microsidd.com/products/mission-hb-strips-pack-of-50-strips) ### Mission Hb Monitor + 50-Strip Refill Combo Mission Hb meter together with an additional pack of compatible test strips. [**View Mission Hb Monitor Combo**](https://microsidd.com/products/mission-hb-monitor-with-50-strips) * * * ## Important Note This article provides general educational information about cleaning, maintenance and infection-control considerations for the Mission Hb Hemoglobin Monitoring System. Always follow the latest Mission Hb manufacturer instructions, facility infection-control procedures and applicable professional requirements. Cleaning products or disinfectants that are suitable for one medical device may damage another device. If the meter is visibly damaged, heavily contaminated or repeatedly fails optical or quality-control checks, stop routine testing until the problem has been appropriately investigated. ## Buy Genuine Mission Hb Products from Microsidd.com Microsidd supplies Mission Hb hemoglobin meters, compatible Mission Hb test strips and other point-of-care diagnostic products for laboratories, clinics, healthcare professionals and individual users. Before ordering, verify the **brand, exact meter model, strip compatibility, pack size and product specifications**. **This product is non-returnable and non-exchangeable.** Please verify the **brand, model, compatibility, pack size and product specifications before placing your order**. For laboratory reagents, customers should specifically verify the **test parameter, methodology, analyser compatibility, reagent configuration and pack size** before ordering. Genuine cases involving an **incorrect product received** will be handled separately according to Microsidd.com's applicable policies and applicable law. **An original, continuous, unedited and uncut unboxing video is compulsory for making any claim regarding an incorrect product received.** --- > Source: [Microsidd India](https://microsidd.com/blogs/knowledge-hub/mission-hb-cleaning-maintenance-infection-control-guide)